Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces

The public explanation for the reorganization was that unification would achieve cost savings and provide improved command, control, and integration of the military forces.

Hellyer stated on 4 November 1966 that "the amalgamation... will provide the flexibility to enable Canada to meet in the most effective manner the military requirements of the future.

"[4] However, the serving Liberal ministers of the Crown were accused of not caring for the traditions behind each individual service, especially as the long-standing navy, army, and air force identities were replaced with common army-style ranks and rifle green uniforms.

Rather than loyalty to each service, which, as military historian Jack Granatstein put it, was "vital for sailors, soldiers, and airmen and women" who "risk their lives to serve,"[5] Hellyer wanted loyalty to the new, all-encompassing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF); this, it was said, caused damage to the esprit de corps for sailors, soldiers, air crew and other personnel.

Most of the pre-unification corps that had been created in the early 20th century were disbanded or were merged with counterparts in the navy and air force to form the personnel branches of the CF.

The navy added the executive curl to their gold bars and reintroduced naval sleeve insignia for flag officers.

The air force changed their gold bar insignia to a composite braid in pearl grey, similar to patterns worn before unification.